The Anne Arundel County Department of Health has announced funding availability for grants aimed at supporting peer-to-peer substance use prevention education for youth. This funding is specifically for the Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) initiative, which promotes substance misuse prevention through student-led, peer-to-peer education and community engagement. The SADD program’s objectives include creating a network of student-run chapters that foster community, resilience, leadership, and advocacy skills among youth, with a focus on encouraging healthy life choices and addressing health disparities among vulnerable youth.

Eligible applicants are Anne Arundel County Public School clubs or Youth Serving Organizations within the county that can implement peer-led education on substance use prevention. Organizations with active SADD chapters will receive priority consideration.

Applications must be submitted by December 6, 2024, with all required documentation sent to STEPS@aacounty.org, addressed to Justin Noel, Youth Substance Misuse Prevention Coordinator. Applicants will receive an email confirmation upon submission. The funding announcement was released on November 4, 2024, and award notifications are anticipated by December 20, 2024.